World Cup 2026: Ghana announces 26-man squad for tournament in North America

Ghana has officially named its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare as the sole Ghana Premier League player included.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz selected the 33-year-old Asare alongside Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Annan as his three goalkeepers. Ati-Zigi will return for his second World Cup after appearing in Qatar 2022.

The squad confirms two notable exits: Hearts of Oak’s Solomon Agbasi and Ajax Amsterdam’s Paul Reverson missed the final cut despite featuring in the initial 28-man group.

Veteran defender Alexander Djiku was ruled out through injury, with Dutch-born Derrick Luckassen brought in as his replacement. Luckassen, 30, recently switched nationality to Ghana after winning the Cypriot League with Pafos. AS Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu also was omitted after failing to recover from injury.

The Black Stars will face Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ghana’s campaign begins June 17 against Panama in Toronto, followed by England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia. The official announcement read: “26 Men. One Mission!”.

🫶🏾 26 Men. One Mission! 🇬🇭🏆

👤 Head Coach Carlos Queiroz has named Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. 🌍

🗓️ The campaign begins on 17 June against Panama in Toronto, followed by a clash with England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in… pic.twitter.com/qLCpZwuGxn

— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) June 1, 2026